The Flute Circle

The Flute Circle is a modern phenomena built around playing and sharing information about the Native American style flute. The Flute Circle is founded on the traditional tribal Circles. The Native Americans experienced life as a series of Circles. For the Native American, before the arrival and corrupting influences of the European, each individual life was experienced within the context of an extended family circle, a clan circle, some specialized sacred society circles and the tribal circle. As individual tribal members met face to face around the council fire each person had an equal place. This way of interacting is protrayed in the movie Dances With Wolves. The foundation of the Circle is in mutual respect and tolerance for differences of opinion. The strength of a circle is based on the fact that the deliberations of the combined membership of a circle leads to consensus. Consensus is reached through careful examination of individual points of view. Consensus keeps the circle strong, pure and free of malicious internal friction. In order for this type of decision making to be effective individual members must be flexible, open and considerate of others.


The members of a Flute Circle can be likened to the knights of Arthur's round table. Separate individuals who banded together in the in the service of a higher good. Arthur's band of brothers were dedicated to a higher calling - selfless service to mankind, and the quest for personal development. So, it can be within the Flute Circle. Each of us has discovered something new and rewarding in the Native American style flute. We join or form a circle to share our passion with others of like mind and experience. The Native American style flute has given each of us something unique, personal and uplifting. It is a path to experiencing the presence of something greater than our individual selves - the universality of music. The Flute Circle can allow us to experience something greater than just satifying our individual needs.

The Flute Circle cannot recreate the tribal circles of the past. That way of life is fast disappearing from the planet. The tribal circle is based on traditions and experiences that were not part of our conditioning. We have been raised in a different social environment. So, ours is a conscious attempt to take what we can from traditional ways and apply it to creating something contemporary. A new Circle that satisfies our needs for belonging, sharing and learning. We are forging a new paradigm. And, if we are successful it will provide a new template of behavior that will incorporate the principles of creativity, love, respect, fairness, equality, flexibility - you add your own word/sentiment.

The new Flute Circle does not depend on hereditary or appointed positions for it's directing force. In the new Circle there are no positions of leadership like those seen in the Western model. No one is at the head of the table in a circle. An individual may acquire status in the circle by estabishing his credibility and fitness through service. But, the important thing is that each individual members voice is heard and his thoughts and opinions are respected. This can be the way of the Flute Circle. If we follow this Way each individual has a strong sense of belonging and value within the Circle. Decisions are not made from the top down but through consensus.

Our Flute Circles are based on experiencing the music of the Native American style flute. But, the Circle is not exclusively about the flute or the music. The Flute Circle provides an opportunity where we can all be teachers and students. We can learn from each other on many levels. Here we have an opportunity to share the song gifts we have been given. We support each others development as musicians and as human beings. The search for the holy grail in the Arthurian quest involved self sacrifice, personal evolution and character refinement. Paradoxically, it is a selfless quest. In the flute Circle, a new template is evolving for interpersonal relations. Certain individuals may accept formal responsibilites for helping to facilitate and strenghten the Circle. These positions should not bestow status on their holders or make them leaders as with the Western European command and control paradigm. Holding such a position does not mean that the individual has more power than other members. Or, power over others. We must recognize that the wisdom inherent in the Circle is greater than that of any one single member.

This is the strength and beauty of a Circle as compared to the conventional Western hiearchy. With a hiearchical organization a leader, or group of directors, gives directions to those below who are expected to carry out commands. The person holding the leader position is assumed to be more gifted and intellegent than other members. In this type of organization directives are implemented with little imput from the group. The Western paradigm is not inclusive - it does not build bonds of mutual respect and affection. Reciprecal bonds of mutual respect and affection must be the glue that holds the Circle together.

From what I have experienced the Northern California Flute Circle provides an example - a template, if you will. By observing the behavior of this group I think I can discern the direction in which the Flute Circle phenomena is evolving.

Let the Flute Teach You

Have you heard the saying 'let the flute teach you'? These few words are as pregnant with meaning as any sentence you will ever hear. This simple instrument has many, many lessons to teach. And, not just about music alone. The flute teaches about the flow of Life, self awareness, being non critical. It can show how it's not just about you. It let's you see that something else is responsible for helping you make the music. Are we are the vehicle through which the music expresses itself? Is the music there before us and after us. Has it always has been there - for everyone.

In these so called 'modern times' musical instruments became so complicated that they could only be played with satisfaction and enjoyment by people who could dedicate their lives to them. Now, just when the era of Folk Music seemed to be drawing to a close and professional musicans had threatened to take over music making - along came the Native American style flute. A Folk instrument accessible to just about anyone. An instrument on which you can play your own tunes and perhaps listen to the tunes of others as they play. Have you ever thought while playing that we are all individual facets of some incredible crystal flower that is the Universe? As important in our individuality and personal expression as a planet or sun? Can it be that our music is an exression of the uniqueness that each of us is here to express? That each one of us has something to contribute to the Song of Life.

It takes a while for the fingers to develope the connection between the heart and the sound. They find out how to do this on their own. Just, let them play over the holes. They will make a natural connection between the tone hole, the sound and the tune. Don't expect, demand or be critical. Play and enjoy. Let it go where it will. The facility of expression will develop on its own. And, it never ends - the learning and growing and becoming more intuned to the music coming through. Remember, it's all good. And, nobody is judging anyone else. And if they are - who cares - that's their problem.

There are people publishing albums but their music is no better or more important than your own. In fact your music is more important than theirs - and more meaningful. What a great word - meaningfull. It is your unique expression of a time and place that is you and you alone.